A peek around the kitchen revealed various cheeses, assorted fruits + vegetables, nuts and fresh herbs so I got the idea to do mini tea-service cheesecakes.

The next hurdle was how to present it. I keep a pretty contemporary home and didn’t think I had any photo props befitting the experience of this regal event.

Seek and ye shall find, they say and I did. I surprised myself when I remembered a treasured brocade and tasseled table cover I’d hung on to (even though I no longer used it) and those church sale plates and cups I spoke about once before. Two souvenir Rolex spoons from Geneva completed the tablescape.

While I doubt Harrod’s would feature my tableware — even in the basement clearance section (if they have one), I was satisfied. Albeit, not gobsmacked. It added an element of ‘old world’ which is what I associate with ‘high tea’.

Duxelle and Fennel Cheesecake

The key to the success of this dish was mixing the duxelle throughout, not just on top which was my original thought. It was super delicious, rich and savory, and I will definitely be making it again.

NOTE: Some recipes found on FOODalogue are offered without ingredient quantities. They're meant as a guide to food pairings and techniques to be experimented with … in your own kitchen … to your own spice and taste levels … to your preferred portion sizes … and to however many people you’re cooking for.
A perfect meal has multiple levels of flavor and textures, bright colors and tastes, and healthy(ish) choices. It's all about enjoyment. Enjoy the process, the presentation and the just rewards...eating!

I’m still trying to get over the fact you don’t eat pastries! I bet I could bring you over to the “dark side”! The last time I had tea was when I had the flu.
Your creativeness shined through again!Marie recently posted..Champagne Grapes

Well done, Old Chap. Oh, no that’s not what I should say. The cheesecake is outstanding idea. I on the other hand have a real English tea set, etc. and my post is so lame. BTW, I drink a cup of green tea every morning when I wake up. Then I have my cappuccino. I have all kinds of teas and it scares me because my grandmother was a tea drinker only and I’m turning into her.angela@spinachtiger recently posted..Espresso Frosting for Dark Chocolate Cake

I want to have tea with you guys! Beautiful recipes, Joan. I don’t know which is my favorite, but I am leaning toward the savory. Great ingredients. I, too, can relate to the way you approach recipes; I just can’t do it for my classes, but in my home…Flavors of the Sun recently posted..Two Italian-Inspired Salads

I’d join you for tea time with that cheesecake! Nice work and like the way it all came together. I kind of function like that, too. No white bread here. No cookies… etc…Bren @ Flanboyant Eats™ recently posted..Agua de Jamaica {Hibiscus Tea Water}

I don’t have a tea pot or proper tea cups!! but i still enjoy tea, out of large mugs too both of those treats look fantastic, especially the no-bake cheesecake. especially when it’s so hot in my kitchen!Shannon recently posted..Strawberry Basil Scones

For someone who doesn’t own a tea pot, you did a pretty awesome job making a spread for afternoon tea that any tea-lover would be proud of! I especially love your savory cheesecake!Victoria recently posted..Mango Tarte Tatin

Adorably written Joan!
Love the two types of cake, they really complement each other.
And the table cover works perfectly in your photos.
These makeovers are so much fun, aren’t they?
LLLori Lynn recently posted..please come for tea & sherry

Good job with presenting two choices of cheesecakes for the tea party, Joan! I would normally go for a sweet treat, but I love the sound of duxelle and fennel together that this time I would have to make an exception and go for your savory one. Despite not liking tea, I’m happy that you decided to take on that British adage to ‘Stay calm and carry on’ for this challenge! Maya@Foodiva’s Kitchen recently posted..5-Star Makeover – Bakewell Tart Samosas and Sticky Toffee Pudding Purses

May I say I am very jealous at your sale finds… how I love amethyst glass!!! The table scape is perfect for the tea party. Love both your dishes… nothing like no bake for the last days of summer. But the savory cheesecake has my eye too… so many good things in it.deana sidney recently posted..Claridges Tea Time and Strawberry Fraisiers

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The FOODalogue Approach to Food

A perfect meal has multiple levels of flavor and textures, bright colors and tastes, and healthy(ish) choices. It's all about enjoyment. Enjoy the process, the presentation and the just rewards...eating!

I've always been a culinary improvisor which means I get my kicks out of recipe development. In the FOODalogue kitchen each meal is an adventure and the journey is as exciting as the destination. My favorite kitchen tools are imagination and intuition. I rarely look at a recipe, not even my own!

On these pages, I suggest food pairings and techniques to be experimented with...in your own kitchen...to your own spice levels...and to your preferred portion sizes.